 Extremely difficult to define because these do not

represent homogeneous compounds either from,

Chemical, biochemical or physiologic view point.
Except the fact, all Alkaloids are, Organic
Nitrogenous compounds and are of basic nature
and have some definite pharmacological activity.
 “Basic Nitrogenous compounds of natural origin
having some definite pharmacological/
physiological activity.”
 They are alkali like compounds therefore they are
called Alkaloids.
 Distribution of Alkaloids:
 Angiosperms
 Leguminosae
 Papaveraceae
 Ranunculaceae
 Rubiaceae
 Solanaceae
 Berbaridaceae
 Plant families Labiatae and Rosaceae are almost free
of Alkaloids

 Gymnosperms
 Rarely contain Alkaloids like Taxaceae family
 Occurrence of Alkaloids:
 Alkaloids occur in,
 Seeds Physostigma, Areca
 Fruits Conium
 Leaves Belladonna, Coca
 Underground stem Sangunaria
 Roots Belldonna
 Roots and rhizomes Ipecac, Hydrastis
 Barks cinchonna
 Fungi Ergot
 Taxonomy of Alkaloids:
 They can be named on basis of,
 Genus name of plant Hydrastine, Atropine
 Species name of plant Cocaine,
belladonine
 Common name of plant Ergotamine
 Pharmacological activity Emetine,
Morphine
 Ocassionally on the name of discoverer
Ajmaline, Pelletiernine
 Properties of Alkaloids:
 Alkaloids usually contain 1 Nitrogen atom.
Some may contain up to 5 nitrogen atoms.
Nitrogen may exist as;
 1. Primary amine R – NH2
 2. Secondary amine R2 – NH
 3. Tertiary amine R3 – N
 4. Quaternary amine R4 – N+X-
 Physical properties:
 The various physical properties are;
 Alkaloids are usually bitter in taste
 Alkaloids are insoluble or sparingly soluble in
water., but alkaloidal salts are freely soluble in water
 Free Alkaloids are usually soluble in ether,
chloroform and other relatively non polar solvents.
 Most of the alkaloids are crystalline solids, few
Alkaloids are amorphous
 Some are liquids (usually which lack oxygen) like
Nicotine, Conine and sarpenteine.
 Alkaloidal salts are also crystalline in nature
 Role of Alkaloids in Plants:
 In plants alkaloids performs various functions
given below;
 Poisonous agents protecting plants against
insect and herbivores attack
 End products of detoxification reactions, so are
metabolic locking-up of compounds harmful to
plants
 Regulatory factors
 Reserve substances for supplying Nitrogen and
other elements to plants
 Like many other secondary metabolic products
 Pharmacological activities of Alkaloids
 Alkaloids are capable of extensive pharmacological
activity and display variety of pharmacological actions
like Alkaloids are,
 1. Analgesics and Norcotics Morphine, Codeine
 2. Central NS Stimulants Strychnine, Brucine
 3. Mydriatics Atropine
 4. Myotics Physostigmine, Pilocarpine
 5. Hypertenssives Ephedrine
 6. Antihypertenssives Reserpine
 7. Anti malarials Quinine
 8. Antiarrhythmic Quinidine
 9. Oxytocic agent Methyl Ergonovine
 Classification of Alkaloids
 Alkaloids are generally classified by;
 Their molecular precursors, based on the
biological pathway used to construct the
molecule. From Structural point of view, alkaloids
are divided according to their shape and origins.
 Alkaloids are classified in three main types,
 1. True Alkaloids Derived from Amino acids
 2. Proto Alkaloids Derived from Amino acids
 3. Pseudo Alkaloids Not derived from Amino
acids
 1. True Alkaloids:
 These are derived from Amino acids. They share
heterocyclic ring with Nitrogen. They are highly
reactive substances with biological activity at low
doses. Most of the alkaloids belongs to this group.
They occur in plants,
 1. In Free State
 2. As salts
 3. As N-oxides

 Primary precursors of these Alkaloids are amino

acids, like L-ornithin, L-Lysine, L-Phenylalanine, L-
Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, and L-Histidine
 Proto alkaloids:
 They are derived from Amino acids. The N-
atom derived from an amino acid is not a part
of the heterocyclic ring. They are structurally
simple alkaloids. The minority of the
alkaloids belongs to this group.
 These are derived from L-tyrosine and L-
tryptophan
 Pseudo alkaloids:
 These are basic carbon skeletons of which are not
derived from amino acids. There synthesis is
connected with amino acid pathways. They are
derived from the Pre-cursors or post-cursors of
amino acids and are synthesised from amination or
tans-amination reactions of thesis pre and post
cursors.
 These can also be derived from non-amino acid
precursors. The N-atom can also be donated by
amino acids source across a tans amination reaction,
if there is a suitable aldehyde or ketone group.
 N-atom is inserted into the molecule at a relatively
late stage for example steroidal or triterpenoid
skeleton.
 1. Pyridine-piperidine alkaloids

 Drugs: Areca nut, Lobelia, Tobacco

 2. Tropane Alkaloids

 Drugs: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Cocaine

 3. Quinoline Alkaloids

 Drugs: Cinchona
 4. Isoquinoline Alkaloids

 Drugs: Ipecacuanha, Opium

 5. Indole Alkaloids

 Drugs: Rauwolfia, Catharanthus, Nux-vomica, Physostigma, Ergot

 6. Imidazole Alkaloids

 Drugs: Pilocarpus
 7. Steroidal Alkaloids

 Drugs: Veratrum
 8. Alkaloidal Amines

 Drugs: Ephedra, colchicum

 9. Purine bases
 Drugs: Tae, Coffee
 Extraction of alkaloids can be carried out in
either of the two bases;
 Basic character
 Solubility profile

 Generally alkaloids are extracted mainly using

two methods;
 Method A: (for alkaloidal salts)
 The powdered material that contains alkaloidal salts
is moistened with alkaline substances like sodium
bicarbonate, ammonia, calcium hydroxide etc. which
combines with acids, tannins, and other phenolic
substances and sets free the alkaloidal bases.
 Extraction is then carried out with organic solvent
such as ether or petroleum spirit. The concentrated
organic liquid is then shaken with aqueous acid and
allowed to separate. Alkaloid salts will be present in
aqueous liquid, while many impurities remain behind
in the organic liquid.
 Method B: (for alkaloidal base)
 The collected powdered material is extracted with water or
aqueous alcohol containing dilute acid. Chloroform or
other organic solvents are added and shaken to remove
the pigments and other unwanted materials.
 The free alkaloids are the precipitated by the addition of
excess alkalis like sodium bicarbonates, or ammonia and
separated by filtration or by extraction with organic
solvents.
 Volatile liquid alkaloids (nicotine & coniine) are isolated by
distillation. The powdered material that contains alkaloids
is extracted with water and the aqueous extract is made
alkaline with sodium carbonate or ammonia and alkaloidal
base is distilled off in steam this could be collected and
purified.
 The class include tobacco, areca nuts, and
lobelia.
 (i) Tobacco

 Botanical origin: Nicotiana tobaccum

 Family: Solanaceae
 Part used: Dried Cured leaves
 Habit: Perennial herb
 Habitat:
 It is cultivated in many countries, majorly found
in India, USA, China, Brazil, Russia, Italy and
Turkey.
 Constituents:
 It contains Pyridine-piperidine alkaloids,
major is nicotine, nicotianine, nicotinine and
nicoteine. Nicotine is primarily synthesize in
roots, by demethylation takes place in leaves.
 Tobacco smoking is not as much dangerous
as for the smoker as its smoke for the others
people. Because tobacco alkaloids especially
nicotine decompose to furfural, collidine,
carbon monoxide and HCN. As, all are toxic
so are dangerous for health.
 Structure and Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as sedative.
 - It is used as Diuretic.
 - It is used as expectorant.
 - It is used as Antiseptic.
 - It is used as insecticide.
 - It is used as stimulant of heart and nervous
system.
 Botanical origin: Areca catechu
 Family: Palmae
 Part used: Areca nut (Seeds) obtained from fruit.
 Habit: Tree
 Habitat:
 It is found in East Indies, India, Southern Eastern
Asia, and some parts of East Africa and Sri-
Lanka. India is the major producer of the plants
and also a huge consumer of the drug. Major
world supplies come from Sri Lanka. India also
import it from Sri Lanka.
 Constituents:
 It contains alkaloids and tannins. The taenifuge properties
were discovered in 1863. Chemically contains different
alkaloids which are derivative of pyridine, major are;
aracoline, arecaidene, guavacine, guavacoline.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as anthelmintic especially as wormicide and
taenifuge. As anthelmintic areca nuts are used in sheep,
dogs, and horses.
 - In veterinary medicine first betel nuts are used for
chewing purposes and dried betel nuts are used in
medicine.
 - Its usual dose is 2g to 4g in dogs and 4g to 8g in horses.
 Botanical origin: Lobelia inflata
 Family: Lobeliaceae
 Part used: Dried leaves and Aerial tops
 Habit: Annual herb
 Habitat:
 It is found in Eastern and Central America. Major
supplies are from Virginia, Carolina, and
Tennessee.
 Constituents:
 It mainly contain alkaloids. 14 different alkaloids
have been identified. The active constituent of
drug is L
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used in the treatment of the
combination therapy of peptic ulcer,
functional digestive disorders including
spastic, mucus & ulcerative colitis.
 - Due to anticholinergic properties, it is used
to control excess motor activity of GIT and
spasm of urinary track.
 - It is used as anticholinergic i.e. anodyne,
diuretic & as mydriatic agent.
 2. Tropane alkaloids:
 The tropane nucleus is made up of pyrrole
and pyridine nucleus. The class include
Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, and
Cocain.
 Common name: Deadly nightshade
 Botanical origin: Atropa belladonna
 Family: Solanaceae
 Part used: Dried leaves and flowering tops
 Habit: Perennial herb
 Habitat:
 Indigenous to southern and Central Europe &
Asia. Cultivated in England Germany and USA.
 Constituents:
 It mainly contains Tropane alkaloids. The
prominent alkaloidal base is L-Hyoscyamine.
Among the others there is Atropine,
Apotropine, Belladonine.
 Among the volatile bases there is
Homatropine, Rutin, N-oxide and N-methyl
pyrroline.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used in the treatment of the
combination therapy of peptic ulcer,
functional digestive disorders including
spastic, mucus & ulcerative colitis.
 - Due to anticholinergic properties, it is used
to control excess motor activity of GIT and
spasm of urinary track.
 - It is used as anticholinergic i.e. anodyne,
diuretic & as mydriatic agent.
 Common Name: Henbane
 Botanical origin: Hyocyamus niger
 Family: Solanaceae
 Part used: Dried leaves and flowering tops
 Habit: Biennial herb
 Habitat:
 Indigenous to Europe, Asia & Africa.
Cultivated in England, Germany and Belgium.
 Constituents:
 It mainly contains Tropane alkaloids. The
main alkaloid is Hyoscyamine together with
small quantities of Atropine & hyocine
(scopolamine).
 Among the other constituents, there is
mucilage, albumin and calcium oxalate
crystals.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as Antispasmodic.
 - It is used as mild Diuretic.
 - It is used as Hypnotic.
 Common Name: Commonly called Jimson
Weed and Devil’s apple
 Botanical origin: Datura stramonium
 Family: Solanaceae
 Part used: Dried leaves and flowering tops
 Habit: Biennial herb
 Habitat:
 Indigenous to Europe, Asia & Africa. Cultivated in
England Germany and Belgium.
 Constituents:
 It mainly contains Tropane alkaloids. The main
alkaloids are Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Hyocine
(scopolamine). All three are tropane alkaloids. L & D
hyoscyamine both are present in the hyocyamus. The
racemic of these both two is Atropine or when
extracted these both two are converted into Atropine.
 Among the other constituents there is proteins i.e.
albumin, 6-hydroxy Hyoscyamine, acetyl derivatives
of caffeic acid, feurlic acid and para coumaric acid.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as antispasmodic.
 - It is used as anodyne.
 - It is used as narcotic.
 - It is used to treat the spasm of bronchioles
in asthma.
 - It is used to treat Parkinsonism, boils, sores
and fish bite.
 Botanical origin: Erthroxylum coca
 Family: Erthroxylaceae
 Part used: Dried leaves
 Habit: Perennial tree
 Habitat:
 It is found in Europe, USA, Russia and
sovereign union.
 Constituents:
 Erthro means ‘Red,’ Xylum means ‘wood,’ while’
coca is means ‘tree.’ It mainly contains Tropane
alkaloids. The major alkaloid is cocaine.
 Medicinal uses:
 - 1% solution of cocaine is used as local
anesthetic.
 - Cocaine hydrochloride is also used as local
anesthetic in 2 to 4 % concentration.
 - It is a component of brompton's cocktail (pain
killer).
 Cinchona
 Common name: Cinchona bark, Countess
Bark, Peruvian bark
 Botanical origin: Cinchona succirubra,
Cinchona ledgeriana, Cinchona calisaya,
Cinchona officinalis
 Family: Rubiaceae
 Part used: Dried bark of stem and roots
 Habit: Tree
 Habitat: Indigenous to Central and Southern
America. Before World War 2 major supplies
were from Java (Indonesia).
 Constituents:
 Over 30 different alkaloids have been isolated
from plant. All are quinolone derivative. Major
alkaloids are cinchonidine, cinchonine (both
are isomer), and quinine, quinidine (both are
isomer).
 6-methoxy cinchonine is Quinine. While, 6-
methoxy cinchonidine is Quinidine.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used to treat malarial fever.
 - These alkaloids works against plasmodium and
its different species.
 - It is used as analgesic.
 - Quinine is mainly used as antimalarial drug.
Some alkaloids are used as cardiac depressants.
 - Quinidine is employed as antiarrhythmic drug,
in ventricular fibrillation. For this purpose 800mg
dose is given with a maintainace dose of 600mg.
 The class include ipecac and opium.

 (i) Ipecac
 Botanical origin: Cephaelis ipecacuanha,
Cephaelis acuminata
 Family: Rubiaceae
 Part used: Dried Roots and Rhizomes
 Habitat:
 It is mainly cultivated in Brazil. Brazil is also a
major exporter of the drug. Some cultivation is
also carried out in Malaysia and India.
 Constituents:
 It contain isoquinoline alkaloids. The major
alkaloids are emetine, cepheline and
psychotrine.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as emetic. Ipecac syrup is
available in market which is used for this
purpose.
 Common name: Post, Afim
 Botanical origin: Papaver somniferum
 Family: Papveraceae
 Part used:
 Dried milky latex obtained by the incision of
fully grown but unripe capsules.
 Habit: Annual herb
 Habitat:
 The drug is cultivated in India, Persia,
Macedonia, Turkey, China, Afghanistan and
Pakistan.
 It is cultivated in October with selective seeds. After
growth of about 2cm to 3cm plant out, winter season
starts at that time growth retarded. In spring season,
it grows little. When seedlings are of 12cm to 14cm,
thinning of seeds are done. Flowers occur in June and
July. Purple white or yellow flower and poppy start
growing on each plant.
 When capsule start maturing from purple to yellow
the constituents are at its peak. Cuts are applied so
that endocarp don’t get damage. Latex oozes out,
initially it is white but on exposure to sun and it turns
brown.
 Latex is converted into kneaded into small box and
packed in opium leaves and is shade dried and these
balls are crude opium.
 Constituents:
 Over 30 different alkaloids have been derived
from opium. Major alkaloids are morphine 4% -
21%, thebaine, noscapine, codeine, codinone
0.8% - 2.5%, papaverine and protopine.
 There are three varieties of opium which are
commercially available;
 Indian opium, previously it was considered
good but not now available in markets.
 Chinese opium, it is of best quality.
 Turkish opium
 Medicinal uses:
 - It acts on CNS initially a stimulant action
but then a depressant action of them.
 - These are potent analgesics.
 - Especially they are used in Cancer induced
pains.
 - One of the major back draw of these drugs
is addiction.
 - They are used to treat cough especially
codeine, an ingredient of cough syrups.
 A number of theraputic drugs belongs to this
class. The drugs of this class are;
 1. Nux-vomica (strychnine, brucine)
 2. Rauwolfia (serpentine, ajmaline)
 3. Catharanthus (vincristine, vinblastine)
 4. Ergot (ergotine, ergotamine)
 5. Physostigma (physistigmine)
 Common name: Snake root
 Botanical origin: Rauwolifia serpentina
 Family: Apocynaceae
 Part used: Dried roots but sometimes rhizomes
and stem cuttings are also used.
 Habit: It is 1 meter tall erect shrub with wiry
roots
 Habitat:
 It is found in India, Burma, Sri-Lanka, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines. It is also
present in the hot climates of the world. Major
supplies are form India and Thiland.
 Constituents:
 Over 50 different alkaloids have been isolated,
major are reserpine, serpentine, resepinine,
ajmaline, and isoajmaline.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as hypotensive sedative agent.
Especially, reserpine is antihypertensive agent. It
slows down the pulse rate and produce euphoria.
 - It is used to treat cardiac arrhythmia.
 - It is used as hypnotic agent.
 - It is used to treat neuro-psychotic disorders.
 Botanical origin: Vinca rosea, Catharanthus
roseus
 Family: Apocynaceae
 Part used: Dried whole plant parts
 Habitat: It is native to Madagascar but it is
cultivated as ornamental plant cell over the
world in tropical areas.
 Constituents: It contain indol-indolene alkaloids in it.
The major alkaloids are vinblastine, vincristine,
venerosine and extra. Vincristine and vinblastine are
unstable and need refrigeration 0oC – 8oC.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used to treat various cancers.
 - Vinblastine sulphate used to treat ovarian cancer, it
is resistant to other therapies.
 - Vinblastine is also used to treat Hodgkin’s disease.
 - Vincristine sulphate is used in combination with
anticancer agents to treat Hodgkin’s disease.
 - Vincristine is also used to treat leukemia.
 (iii) Nux-vomica
 Botanical origin: Strychnos nuxvomica
 Family: Loganiaceae
 Part used: Dried ripe seeds
 Habitat It is found in Africa and Sri Lanka.
 Constituents:
 It contain different alkaloids. The major
alkaloids are brucine, loganine, Strychnine.
The total alkaloidal content is about 3% to 5%.
Strychnine constitute 1/3rd of total alkaloids.
 Strychnine is major alkaloid and is more
pharmacologically active. It is present in the
thick walled endospermic cells present in the
center of the cell. While, brucine is present in
the outer part of the seeds.
 Medicinal uses:
 - They are not currently employed in the
medicine but are used in neuroanatomical
research.
 - These are CNS stimulants.
 - It is used as Pesticides specially to kill
rodents.
 - Strychnine is more toxic than brucine it is
used for alcohol denaturing.
 - It is used as tonic for sexual impotence.
 - It is used to produce paralysis of intestine.
 Botanical origin: Physostigma venenosum
 Family: Leguminosae
 Part used: Dried Ripe seeds
 Habitat:
 It is found in West Africa and in the vicinity of
gulf of Guinea. Plant contains poisnous
alkaloides.
 Constituents:
 It contain contain alkaloids. The total
alkaloidal content is 0.15%. The major
alkaloids are physostigmine (serine),
physovenine, esramine, and genesine.
 Medicinal uses:
 - They are used as a reversible inhibitors of
choline esterase.
 - 0.25% ointment of physostigmine is used
topically on conjunctiva 3 to 4 times a day.
 - Physostigmine potentiated the effects of
Acetyl choline.
 - It is used as antidote for anticholinergic
inhibitors.
 Botanical origin: Secale cereale
 Family: Graminae
 Part used: Dried sclerotium developed on rye
plant
 Habitat: It is found in Yugoslavia, Switzerland,
Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.
 Collection: The ergot is formed by the fungus
Cleviceps purourea (Clavicipitaceae or
Hypocreaceae).
 Asexual stage:
 In spring season one of the fungal spore come in contact
with rye plant. It resides over the ovary. Hyphal strands are
produced which penetrate into the ovary for nutrition.
Fungus is parasitic in nature. Hyphal strands will
eventually from a soft white mass called mycelium. Some
of the hyphal strands in mycelium will produce asexual
spore called conidiospores. These conidiospores will be
suspended in honey dew (a secretary secretion of
mycelium). Insects will be attracted to honey dew.
Conidiospore than will be carried to another host plant
through the insect to repeat the cycle. This stage of
development is called asexual or Sphacelial stage.
 Sexual stage:
 In this stage of development the mycelium grown
in size and eventually replace entire ovary to
form soft white color mass which over the time
will become hard and purple in color to form
Seclerotia. These seclerotia will fall down on
ground over the winter season.
 In the start of spring season sexual spores will be
produced in seclerotium and will repeat the
entire cycle. This stage of development is called
sexual or Ascigerous cycle.
 Constituents:
 It contain indole alkaloids more specifically
ergot alkaloids are derivatives of Lysergic acid
LSD. The total alkaloidal content is 0.15%.
The major alkaloids are ergotmine and its
isomer ergotaminine, ergonovine, erginine,
methyl ergonovine.
 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as oxytocic agent (increase
uterine muscle contractions), these include
strong uterine muscle contraction.
 - It is used in labour room to facilitate the
baby birth.
 - It also help to prevent post-partum
haemorrhage.
 - It is used to treat migraine. They produce
vasodilation and decrease blood pressure.
 These alkaloids contain imidazole ring in their
chemical structure. The class includes Pilocarpus.
 (i) Pilocarpus

 Common name: Jaborandi

 Botanical origin: Pilocarpus jaborandi
 Family: Rutaceae
 Part used: Dried leaflets
 Habit: Shrub
 Habitat: It is indigenous to Brazil.
 Constituents:
 It contain imidazole alkaloids the major alkaloids are
pilocarpine, iso-pilocarpine, pilocarpidine, psilocine.
Bur, pilocarpine is more therapeutically active.
 Pilocarpine is a hygroscopic compound. It is a liquid
alkaloid at room temperature but its salts are
crystallized in nature. Pilocarpine hydrochloride and
pilocrpine nitrate are therapeutically used.
 Medicinal uses:
 - Pilocarpine hydrochloride and pilocrpine nitrate are
used as cholinergic agonist.
 - Topically applied to conjunctiva to treat glaucoma.
 - It is also used orally or simultaneously at dose of
5mg in patients using ganglion blocking agents.
 These alkaloids contain steroidal ring in their
structure. The class includes Veratrum.
 (i) Veratrum
 Common name:
 American hellebore
 European hellebore

 Botanical origin:
 Veratrum viridi
 Veratrum album

 Family: Liliaceae
 Part used:
 Dried rhizomes and roots
 Dried rhizome

 Habit: Shrub
 Constituents:
 These alkaloids have cholesterol like structure. Basic ring
is present in such alkaloids is perhydrocyclopentano
phenantherine ring.
 There different types of alkaloids are present in Veratrum
viridi are;
 Group 1: esters of alkamine with organic acids. For
example; Cevadine, Germidine, Germitrine, Neogermitrine,
Protoveratrine A and Veratrine.
 Group 2: glucoalkaloids or glucoalkamines. For example;
pseudojervine and veratrosine.
 Group 3: alkamines. For example; Germine, rubijervine
and jervine.

 While, Veratrum album contains Protoveratrine A & B.

 Medicinal uses:
 - It is used as hypotensive agent.
 - It is used as depressant of cardiac and
respiratory system. Therefore, their used in
USA discontinued but at dose of 100mg
veratrum alkaloids precisely lowers the blood
pressure without effecting heart rate.
 These alkaloids do not possess nitrogen
containing heterocyclic ring. The nitrogen
atom is present outside the ring. They do not
possess alkaloidal properties but they gives
positives tests with basic reagents i.e.
Hager’s reagent, Wagner’s reagent etc.
 The class includes Ephedra and colchicum.
These are simple amines or their derivatives.
They are biosynthesized by the phenyl
alanine and tyrosine.
 (i) Colchicum
 Botanical origin: Colchicum luteum,
colchicum autmnale
 Family: Liliaceae
 Part used: Dried ripe seeds and corms
 Habit: Herb (maximum height 60 – 90 cm)
 Habitat: It is indigenous and cultivated in
England, USA, and Africa. In USa it is
cultivated as ornamental plant.
 Constituents:
 Colchicum seeds and corms are collected for alkaloids.
Major alkaloid is colchicine, it is present about 0.5% in
seeds and 0.6% in corms.
 Colchicine is a compound which lack pronounced basicity
and alkaloidal properties i.e. it doesn’t form alkaloidal
salts but it conventionally placed in alkaloids because it
gives positive basic tests for alkaloids.
 Uses:
 - It is used as gout suppressant. For this purpose 500μg –
650μg are administered at the rate 1 – 3 times a day
orally. The IV dose is 500μg – 1mg daily.
 - It is used as a mitotic poison therefore employed in
agriculture for polyploidy agent.
 - It is used in treating different tumours owing to their
ability to stop mitosis.
 (ii) Ephedra
 Botanical origin:
 Ephedra sinica
 Ephedra equisetina
 Ephedra distachya

 Family: Gnetaceae
 Part used: Whole herb
 Habitat:
 It is indigenous to the China, also found in India,
Pakistan, Indonesia, and Spain. Plants usually
grows in sandy clay soil. It has been used in
medicine since 5000 years especially in Chinese
medicine system.
 Constituents:
 It contain Ephedrine, which is alkaloidal amine
and is biosynthesized from phenyl alanine amino
acid. Ephedrine is therapeutically active
compound. Pseudoephedrine is also present in
plant to a lesser extent.
 Uses:
 Ephedrine HCl and Ephedrine SO4 used therapeutically.
Both these drugs are soluble in water and in hot alcohol
but are soluble in ether.
 - Ephedrine HCl is sympathomimetic drug. It increases the
blood pressure.
 - It is a CNS stimulant.
 - Ephedrine SO4 is used as vasoconstrictor and
bronchodilator.
 - Both these salts are used to treat asthma and hay fever.
 - Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are used in cough syrup
as antitussive agent.
 - Ephedrine is a cardio stimulant drug.
 - It is a potent vasoconstrictor.
 They are also known as purine lakloids.
Purine ring is formed of two rings.
 Pyrimidine ring
 Imidazole ring
 The class includes only two drugs;
 Coffee
 Tea
 (i) Coffee
 Botanical origin: Coffea arabica
 Family: Rubiaceae
 Part used: Dried roasted seeds/ beans
 Habit: Shrub
 Habitat:
 Coffee is from Turkish word or Arabic word ‘quveh’ or
‘quhah’. Arabica shows the habitat. It is indigenous to
Ethiopia and Eastern Africa. It is also cultivated world over
in Tropical countries mainly in Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
Central & Southern America and Brazil. Brazil is the major
producer. It produces 600,000 tons of coffee. The yield of
coffee is 0.5kg – 5kg per plant.
 Constituents:
 Tea contain xanthine derivatives. Caffeine (1,
3, 7-trimethyl xanthine), theophylline (1, 3-
dimethyl xanthine), tannins (gallotannic acid),
Theobromine (1, 7-dimethyl xanthine),
proteins and volatile oils. Aroma is due to
volatile oil.
 Uses:
 The usual cup of tea contain 60mg of caffeine in it.
 - Caffeine is CNS stimulant.
 - Caffeine is used as stimulent of cardiac and respiratory
center.
 - Caffeine also acts in smooth muscles and kidneys.
 - Tea is astringent due to tannins.
 - Theophylline is smooth muscle relaxant.
 - Theophylline is used as bronchodilator in asthma.
 - Theophylline is used as diuretic in cardiac patients.
 - Theobromine is also used as smooth muscle relaxant
and diuretic but it is ppreferred over theophylline because
it doesn’t act of CNS system as theophylline.
 - It is preferred in patients having Chronic heart failure of
angina.